IW Steam Railway Engineering Apprentice Collects National Award

Transport Trust ‘Young Preservationist of the Year’ Award

The steam engineering apprentice at The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has been named ‘Young Preservationist of the Year 2010’ by The Transport Trust. In a national awards ceremony, 22 year-old Kevin Colley from Ryde on the Isle of Wight, was presented with his award by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

The award recognises Kevin’s commitment to steam engineering and for raising the profile of steam preservation among other young people. In making the award to Kevin, the Transport Trust said "The Transport Trust decided to give its Award for Young Preservationist of the Year 2010 to Kevin Colley for his work as a mechanical and steam engineering apprentice with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, and for his encouragement of other young people to take up this craft. This activity is something the Trust itself is keen to foster.”  

Kevin is now two years into his three-year apprenticeship with The Isle of Wight Steam Railway, having started in July 2008 after actively seeking a position with a heritage railway. Originally from Stockport, Kevin was a regular volunteer at the East Lancashire Railway, before relocating to the Island to take up the apprenticeship. As well as his role within the Isle of Wight Steam Railway workshops, Kevin is also a passed fireman and is therefore seen from time to time on the locomotive footplate.

Speaking after receiving the award, Kevin paid tribute to the East Lancashire Railway, for sparking his interest, and to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for enabling him to ‘live his dream’. “This award was completely unexpected, and it is a great honour to have received the award for my services to preservation. Steam railways have always been my passion, and now more than ever we need to pass on the steam engineering skills and knowledge to the younger generation, and to encourage them to get involved, so we can keep our heritage railways alive for many years to come. I therefore very much feel I have accepted this award not only for myself, but also for every railway in the country.”

Congratulating Kevinn the award, Isle of Wight Steam Railway General Manager Peter Vail said, “Apprenticeships in steam engineering are few and far between these days and the IW Steam Railway is pleased to be playing its part in keeping alive these traditional skills, which are still needed at heritage railways across the country. Kevin’s award is a very impressive achievement and naturally we’re extremely pleased Kevin has been recognised in this way.”

The award ceremony was staged in the former ‘Midland, London and Birmingham Railway’ locomotive depot, the Camden Roundhouse in London. The award which included a certificate and a cheque for £500 was presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent and Sir William McAlpine.